Upon the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines some of them travelled along the seacoasts looking for a better place to live in. Travelling without any fixed direction, they happen to pass by this place that is partly hidden between two sharp points extending to the sea. The Spaniards asked the Aeta, who was travelling with them as their guide, for the name of that place. The Aeta answered that that is called "lumbak" meaning lying between two hills. As their ship was crossing this place they sighted a flock of herons flying above them. When the Spaniards inquired about them to their guide, the Aeta replied, "Iyon po ay mga ibong tagak." And so from "lumbak" and "tagak" came "bak" and "gak", and soon it became Bagac.

Bagac is the biggest town in terms of land area in Bataan. Established in 1873, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines may be found here in Bagac with St. Catherine of Alexandria as the patron saint.

Present

Bagac is primarily an agricultural and aquatic area rich in bounty. While other municipalities and provinces are converting agricultural land into other uses, Bagac stands to preserve and utilize whatever prime agricultural land area left to be nurtured. The municipal government and the Department of Agriculture are now finalizing a blueprint for a sweet potato extrusion plant to be constructed on the upland by year 2000. Bagac sits on top of a vast potential "goldmine" that is rich in natural wonders and full of historical feats. It is a showcase of pristine coastal and marine marvels. Sumptuous exotic seafood can be bought at the town's public market. The white sand beaches and rugged mountain terrain are the primary destinations in Bagac. Rainforests, caves, waterfalls, commemorative WW II Japanese shrines on battle sites, and breathtaking coral gardens can be explored by intrepid nature lovers. Several fairly-priced inland and seaside resorts can accommodate visi tors at a short notice.

Fast Facts

Bagac is located on the western side of Bataan which is 151 kms. from Manila and 27.82 kms. away from Balanga, the provincial capital. The town has a land area of 23,120 hectares representing 16.84% of the total Bataan area and covers 14 barangays. Bagac is accessible through both land and water transportation. Ferry boats going to and from Manila are available at the Orion Port. The town has a population of 20,894 as of 1995 with skilled workers in the fields of masonry, carpentry, and welding.

Major Industries

Bagac specializes in the manufacture of garments, gift, toys, houseware (GTH) and processed food. Beach resorts which cater initially to local tourist have also started to emerge in the area, foremost of these is the Montemar Beach Resort.